23 Herbal Medicines

A set of flashcards based on the lecture covering various herbal medicines, their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety concerns, and regulatory aspects.

What are Natural Health Products (NHP)?

Products derived from natural sources used for health management.

What safety issues are associated with herbal agents?

Standardization, quality, proof of benefit, safety, and contamination.

What is one difference between herbal medicine and homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on the principle of 'like cures like'.

Name a drug derived from the Foxglove plant.

Digoxin.

What concern arises from the quality of herbal remedies?

The actual ingredients used may differ between companies.

What regulatory framework governs natural health products in Canada?

Natural Health Products Regulations (2004).

What is the purpose of double-blind randomized controlled trials (DBRCTs)?

To eliminate bias in drug efficacy/safety assessment.

What main mechanism does Ginseng use to enhance cognitive performance?

It may stimulate or inhibit the central nervous system.

What was the average duration of colds reported with Cold-FX compared to placebo?

Cold-FX reported 10.8 days, placebo reported 16.5 days.

What effect does Echinacea purpurea have as a mechanism of action?

It acts as an immunostimulant.

What is a common side effect of Ginseng?

Insomnia.

What zinc supplement efficacy was shown in a Cochrane Review for cold treatment?

Zinc reduced the duration of cold by 2.4 days.

How does Vitamin C affect immune cells?

It increases the number and enhances their function.

What does honey potentially boost that contributes to healing?

The immune system.

What was the finding of honey on wound healing according to Cochrane review (2013)?

Honey reduced healing time by approximately 4.5 days for burns.

What is the primary use of Ginkgo Biloba?

For memory enhancement and dementia.

How does Saw Palmetto benefit those with benign prostatic hypertrophy?

It inhibits 5 α-reductase, an enzyme producing DHT.

What is the concern regarding turmeric's hepatotoxicity?

Reports of liver injury associated with its use.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD) known for?

Inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide; associated with analgesic effects.

What are the side effects of cannabis use?

Euphoria, drowsiness, dry mouth, and potentially ataxia.

Which herbal product is associated with a reduction in cold severity without significant findings on prevention?

Zinc.

Name a common use of Kava.

Used for anxiety and insomnia.

What is the supposed mechanism of action for Kava?

Likely works through GABA and neurotransmitter reuptake effects.

What does the Cochrane review (2009) say about St. John's wort for depression?

It shows superior efficacy to placebo with fewer side effects.

What safety issue is associated with Ginkgo Biloba?

Possible rare reports of serious bleeding.

What were the cardiovascular effects observed with chocolate consumption?

Modest decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure.

What mechanism is proposed for the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil?

Inhibiting prostaglandins and reducing inflammation mediators.

What are common gastrointestinal side effects associated with fish oil?

Diarrhea, acid reflux, and nausea.

What is Cannabinoid's potential effect on pain and nausea when used medicinally?

Reduces risk of nausea and provides analgesic effects.

What concerns are raised regarding Kava?

Possible hepatotoxicity and liver damage.

What might lead to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

Not well understood, but may involve unique pathways for emesis.

What is one major form of overdose effect associated with high potency synthetic cannabinoid products?

Respiratory depression.

What characterizes Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)?

Craving, drug seeking, and interference with daily life.

Why should pregnant women avoid cannabis?

It crosses the placenta and can affect fetal development.

What is the mechanism of Kava’s calming effects?

Affects neurotransmission potentially through GABA.

How does the common use of cannabis link to neurological development?

Persistent use in adolescence may reduce adult IQ scores.

What was the notable difference in treatment between controlled studies of cannabis for MS spasticity?

More patients felt improvement compared to placebo.

What is the conventional mechanism through which turmeric exerts its effects?

Inhibition of Nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-KB), reducing inflammation.

What is the outcome of most herbal medicines compared to conventional remedies?

Efficacy is established for only a handful.

How can contamination issues occur with herbal products?

Intentional drug addition or unintentional contamination.

What are the risks associated with high THC cannabis products?

Increased risk of cancers and mental health issues.

What was the significant finding regarding chocolate consumption in research funded by chocolate companies?

It suggested cocoa reduced cardiovascular issues but raised concerns of bias.

What is a unique side effect of honey concerning infants?

May contain clostridium botulinum spores.

What does the evidence indicate about Echinacea's effectiveness for cold prevention?

Conflicting data exists, with more studies needed.

Which study design helps ensure equal representation of patient characteristics?

Randomization.

What was the dosing protocol for the Ginseng study regarding cold prevention?

2 capsules daily for 4 months.

Why are herbal products a controversial topic in pharmacology?

Lack of regulation and inconsistency in evidence of efficacy.

What is the historical context of using cannabis as a medicinal product?

Has a long history of use before criminalization in the 20th century.

What is a primary mechanism through which antihypertensive medications might work?

Vasodilation by inhibiting certain mediators.

What is the main pharmacokinetic property of cannabinoids regarding administration?

Highly lipophilic and readily crosses CNS.

What is a potential benefit of green tea when consumed regularly?

May reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

What is a notable challenge when studying herbal medicines’ efficacy?

The quality of data often being poor and inconsistent.

What primary constituents in chocolate contribute to its health claims?

Alkaloids, oils, and tannins.

What is an adverse effect of turmeric as observed in some cases?

Reports of liver injury.

What concern exists about the sustainability of fish oil use?

Potential for overfishing and environmental impact.

What might cause confusion when researching herbal product side effects?

Diversity of active compounds and individual responses.